What are the benefits for businesses?

It’s sharper and snappier, while still signalling a connection with the UK. A business choosing a .uk domain name will benefit from being part of a trusted, popular namespace that is overwhelmingly preferred by end users searching and buying online in the UK.

Some businesses may decide that a second-level domain name offers a better opportunity to highlight their brand, show how linked they are to the UK online economy, and demonstrate the forward-thinking nature of their business. As search engines and apps are making domain names less about finding a website and more about showing the world who you are and what you stand for, this is an increasingly important consideration.

Why are you introducing this change?

We think shorter domains will prove popular, and may persuade more people to join the .uk namespace, which we want to be as strong, popular and well-recognised as possible. Furthermore, we believe we have an obligation to provide UK registrants with options comparable to what is available internationally, so that they are able to choose what best suits them while still signalling their UK presence.

For the vast majority of existing registrants (over 96% of 10.56 million), we will automatically reserve the shorter equivalent of their current .uk domain for free for five years. At any point during that period they can decide to register the new .uk in addition to, the domain they already have.

Fewer than 4% of registrants will not be eligible for this, because the same domain string is registered to two or more individuals or businesses across the different suffixes (for example, one person owns website.co.uk and another owns website.org.uk). In these instances, the .co.uk registrant will be eligible for the equivalent shorter domain. For full explanation of who has rights please see our customer information site.

Will second-level registrants be able to effectively set themselves up as new third-level registries?

How will you prohibit / police this and what are the sanctions for registrars / registrants if this happens?

We will prohibit this via the rules of registration and will work with registrars where necessary to prevent such activity. Ultimately this could result in suspension and/or cancellation of the relevant domain name.

How do I apply for example.uk on behalf of my customers?

Can I take pre registrations from my customers?

Holders of third-level .uk domains that are eligible for the free reservation period don’t need to pre-register the .uk equivalent. The shorter address will be automatically reserved for them for five years. Our marketing and customer outreach will continue to make it clear that registrants should not feel obliged to make a snap decision.

Registrars should be aware that misleading pre-registration activity is prohibited and we will always take steps to prevent it. We expect that many registrars will wish to keep their registrants informed about the process for registering second level domains and encourage you to do this.

How soon after registration can a registrar change take place?

How soon after registration can a transfer take place?

A transfer can take place immediately after registration, except in the instance where a right to register a domain is exercised through a different registrar to the domain that the original registrant had rights to. In this case the transfer would have to wait until the email verification process was complete. The registrant will have 7 days to verify the email. If this is not completed the domain name will be deleted.

Can two different registrars hold the example.co.uk and example.uk domain names?

I have been asked to register a .uk name by a registrant with rights but his existing domain is on another registrar's TAG - can I register this name for him?

Yes. However, please note that we will email the registrant asking them to authenticate that they have applied for the domain name and we require their confirmation in order for the registration to be completed. Registrars should also bear in mind that the name, address and email they submit will need to match the qualifying registration exactly.

Will you invoice me separately for example.co.uk and example.uk as I want to manage these as separate streams?

If the example.uk is registered and then cancelled within the 5 years, can someone else register it on a first-come, first served basis or does the example.co.uk owner still retain rights up to the end of those 5 years?

If example.uk is registered and then cancelled within the 5 years, it becomes available on a first-come, first-served basis.

What is the cost if registrants do it directly with you?

How will existing customers find out about the new .uk?

Nominet is planning a major programme of communication and outreach to its customers to ensure people are aware of the new .uk and how they may be affected.

As a registrar, you play a key role in communicating this new opportunity to your customers. We have provided registrars with new .uk marketing and brand assets in order to help you raise awareness of .uk to both existing and new customers.

Can I email all my existing .uk clients about this?

Yes, we anticipate that many registrars will want to keep their clients informed of the changes and help them to decide how to proceed. We will be providing materials prior to launch to assist with this process.